[1/5] Chinese President Xi Jinping toasts to guests during a reception dinner at the Great Hall of the People ahead of China's National Day in Beijing, China on September 28, 2023. Since assuming the office of president in March 2013, Xi has previously delivered a speech twice at the annual reception, usually held on the eve of National Day on Oct. 1. The first time Xi delivered it was in 2014 during a reception with over 3,000 guests, far more than the 1,200 normal at that time. In 2019, Xi again delivered a speech at the reception, which that year marked the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. At Thursday's reception, Xi told his guests that China must continue to climb over "obstacles" as his current premier, Li Qiang, listened intently at his banquet table, according to footage aired by China's national broadcaster.

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Persons: Xi Jinping toasts, Jade Gao, Xi Jinping, Xi, Li Shangfu, Li Qiang, intently, Ryan Woo, Hugh Lawson Organizations: of, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, China's, Thomson Locations: Beijing, China, Rights BEIJING, People's Republic of China